In a compelling guest lecture hosted by RMIT Vietnam University this July, Mr. Vinay Bhardwaj, Country Head and Vice Chairman of Indorama Ventures Vietnam, offered students a deep dive into the interlocking dynamics of organizational culture, leadership, and managing change.

Titled “Unlocking the Power of People: Culture, Leadership & Change in Business”, the session explored how companies can remain resilient and competitive in today’s evolving business landscape. Drawing on over three decades of leadership experience in the manufacturing sector, Mr. Vinay shared practical insights on how to align people, purpose, and processes – pillars that have guided Indorama Ventures Vietnam’s ongoing growth.

Culture and Values – more than just words

At the heart of his message was a powerful reminder: “Culture is not what we write in company handbooks – it’s what people experience when they walk in the door”. Mr. Vinay encouraged students to rethink culture not as a static declaration, but as a lived reality shaped by shared values, daily behaviors, and leadership actions. He introduced a four-quadrant cultural framework (Clan, Adhocracy, Market, Hierarchy), noting that while every organization may have a dominant type, high-performing companies often blend elements from all four.

He also shared the “DNA of culture” at Indorama Ventures Vietnam – built on values such as respect, trust, collaboration, innovation, and responsibility. These values aren’t simply aspirational statements – they shape decisions, interactions, and company outcomes.

Structure, power, and the role of leadership

Mr. Vinay then explored how structure plays a key role in strategy execution. From functional and matrix models to Indorama Ventures Vietnam’s blended organizational chart spanning local sites and global teams, he illustrated how formal reporting lines intersect with informal power networks. “Knowing the hierarchy is one thing”, he said, “but real influence often flows through mentors, experts, and culture carriers”.

Leadership, he emphasized, is not about rank – it’s about adaptability. Using practical examples such as a plant shutdown, a rebranding campaign, and a zero-carbon initiative, Mr. Vinay demonstrated the importance of situational leadership. He presented a comprehensive spectrum of leadership styles – autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, and transformational – and made a persuasive case that effective leaders are those who strategically know when to take charge, when to empower, and when to inspire.

Leading change from the inside out

In the final part of the lecture, Mr. Vinay tackled organizational change – not as a technical process, but as a deeply human experience. “People don’t resist change – they resist being changed without clarity or purpose”, he shared. Using Indorama Ventures’ acquisition of Ngoc Nghia as a case study, he introduced the “3C Framework” for effective change management: Clarity (clear roles and direction), Continuity (preserving what works), and Culture (blending values from both sides).

His closing message was simple yet powerful: “A successful change is not just about systems. It’s about people – respecting the old, guiding them into the new, and earning their trust along the way”.

Mr. Vinay’s engaging session left students with a richer understanding of how to unlock the power of people in real-world organizations. With insights from his leadership experience at Indorama Ventures Vietnam, he highlighted how the company continues to exemplify that sustainable growth stems not only from innovation and efficiency, but also from strong culture, inclusive leadership, and thoughtful change management.